The popularity of bicycling in Ohio has increased dramatically during the past decade with the development of paved trails and bike clubs. Unfortunately, accidents involving collisions with vehicles, attacks by dogs and defective products all commonly occur. The issues that arise in these cases are often different than those encountered in a typical car on car collision. It is important that the victim of a bicycle accident discuss the nature of the accident with a dedicated personal injury attorney so that the issues specific to that claim may be evaluated. The attorneys at Brannon & Associates have litigated cases on behalf of injured bicyclists and understand the issues which arise.
Accidents involving a bicyclist oftentimes cause serious injury or death. An unprotected human body on a fragile piece of equipment is no match for a speeding automobile or hard pavement. Even the most careful and experienced bicyclists can easily find themselves on the wrong side of the handlebars. While collisions with cars account for only one-third of all bicycle accidents, they account for the majority of catastrophic injuries and death. In most cases, the driver’s fault consists of failing to yield to the cyclist, backing out of a driveway, opening a car door as a cyclist rides by, running a stop sign, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or simple inattentiveness.
Bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. They must stop at traffic signs and signals and observe traffic laws. However, many motor vehicle drivers do not respect the bicyclists’ right to share the roads. If a person driving a car has acted negligently and causes injury to a bicyclist, they can be held liable to the party suffering the injuries. Motor vehicle liability insurance from the responsible operator, as well as the insurance on a car owned by the bicyclist or a family member, are all sources of insurance to help pay for personal injury claims, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the negligence of the responsible operator.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while riding a bicycle, Brannon & Associates may be able to help you obtain compensation from a negligent party. The law sets time limits in which you can pursue a claim for your injuries, and once that time passes, your right to recover for your injuries will be lost. Call our offices today for a free consultation with an attorney in our office or your home / hospital room.
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